Merthyr Tydfil engineering graduate named VQ Learner of the year

Merthyr Tydfil engineering graduate Brandon Jones, described as an inspiration to fellow students, has won one of this year’s Vocational Qualification (VQ) Awards for Wales.

Brandon was named VQ Learner of the Year – Intermediate, an award that recognises learners who clearly demonstrate progression and excellence in vocational studies who have made considerable achievements in their field.

He received the award at a ceremony held at The Exchange Hotel, Cardiff on May 3 to coincide with VQ Day. The awards are organised by the Welsh Government in partnership with the National Training Federation for Wales (NTfW), ColegauCymru / CollegesWales and Qualifications Wales.

Brandon has helped students from Cyfarthfa High School, Merthyr Tydfil experience life in the fast lane by leading them to the national final of the F1 in Schools Challenge at Silverstone for two years running.

He took on the role of team leader as part of his Welsh Baccalaureate Community Challenge whilst a student at The College Merthyr Tydfil and graduated last year with a double distinction star in Engineering.

This year, he has helped the school again whilst studying Product Design at Cardiff Metropolitan University.

He said: “The competition was much harder than I expected and I am really surprised and happy to have won the award, which is a great honour. The award means a lot to me because it demonstrates that I am doing something right.

“I want to be a product designer and being able to put VQ Award winner on my CV should help a lot with my future career.”

Brandon made such an impact when spending 30 hours working with Cyfarthfa High School’s year 10 design and technology students that he was invited to also coach and mentor year 11 learners.

Thrilled to be the F1 in Schools Challenge team leader at his former school, he said:
“This experience helped me to go above and beyond just gaining my Engineering qualification.

“From my first week in college, I really enjoyed the course and aspired to do my very best not just academically but also by participating in as many extra-curriculum activities as possible.”

Martin Thomas, A level physics and BTEC Engineering tutor at The College Merthyr Tydfil, described Brandon as an “inspiration to his fellow students”.

Jonathan Davies, Cyfarthfa High School’s head of technology, said: “Brandon is a natural leader with an attention to detail. I believe that his exceptional attitude will lead him to have a successful future career and I have no doubt that he will excel in his degree just like he did in his BTEC level 3 Engineering and his GCSEs prior to that.”

Vocational qualifications are important to the economy, companies and individuals, as they deliver the trained, talented employees that businesses are crying out for and ensure young people have the skills needed to succeed in education and work.

Minister for Welsh Language and Lifelong Learning, Eluned Morgan congratulated Brandon. “A VQ award is a symbol of dedication towards a chosen profession, demonstrating to others a real commitment towards personal and professional development,” she said

“The awards help us to celebrate those Welsh employers, learners and trainers who are already going that extra mile when it comes to developing vocational skills and qualifications.”

The Apprenticeship Programme in Wales is funded by the Welsh Government with support from the European Social Fund.